When does it make sense to opt for vinyl that looks like wood?
What kinds of wood styles are available in vinyl flooring?
Floor shoppers are always pleased to discover that the latest looks in hardwood flooring can often be achieved with many types of vinyl.
Variety of Species
There's a vinyl version of just about every wood species — from classic American Oak, Maple and Hickory to exotics like Acacia and Tigerwood. And with wood-look vinyl, limitations like the rarity of a species or hardness of a wood will not come into play like they would for hardwood flooring. For example, some exotic woods are so hard that it's difficult to make them into hardwood planks and installation becomes challenging. This can also impact price. For someone who wants the stand-out style of a rare exotic species, vinyl can be an excellent choice.
Weathered and Rustic Textures
Capture a vintage vibe with wood look vinyl designed to show years of age or exposure to the elements. Weather-worn driftwood boards, reclaimed timber or artisan hand-scraped planks are just a few of the trend-setting styles available in luxury vinyl and vinyl sheet.
You'll find many options with embossed texture, which means what you see on the floor and what you feel are a match. On these floors, the same characteristics found in natural wood, like knots and filled splits, are recreated with astounding realism.
Variety of Sizes
Planks and tiles that look like wood come in various shapes and sizes. Plank-shaped tiles are the most popular, especially on-trend wide-width planks 5” and up. Some designs, especially higher end ones that mimic the look of reclaimed hardwood, also come in mixed widths for a more authentic overall appearance.
